WH stands by fatwa (but won’t say why)

USA Today’s Oren Dorell follows up on the MEMRI reports that I noted yesterday in “Fatuous fatwa twaddle.” President Obama to the contrary notwithstanding, MEMRI disputes the existence of a fatwa promulgated by the man Obama is pleased to acknowledge as Iran’s “Supreme Leader.”

The White House is sticking by Obama’s contention that the “Supreme Leader” has issued a fatwa against the development of nuclear weapons. Which raises a question, at least in my mind. Doesn’t the “Supreme Leader” know that his followers are pursuing a costly program to develop nuclear weapons at a breakneck pace? Our own supreme leader apparently hasn’t bothered to ask himself that question.

In any event, USA Today reports:

Caitlin Hayden, spokeswoman for Obama’s National Security Council, said the president’s comment stands. When asked why the White House believes the fatwa exists, Hayden declined to comment.